I don't necessarily disagree with either of you, but consider this. If I am a Republican (big R) and I run for office, is it not appropriate to assume that I believe the ideology of the Republican (big R) party to be in the best interest of the city, state or country that I represent. If that is the case, then would it not also be appropriate for me to act as a Republican (big R) during a vote on an issue, as I would believe that such a stance IS in fact in the best interest of my constituents?
For example, suppose there was a bill being voted on that would lower the regulation on the amount of waste that a particular industry is allowed to 'dump' anually. Environmentalists go ape-shit, and protest. Democrats say it panders to Big [insert industry here]. Republicans say that it is to keep jobs in-state, don't worry about mother nature, she can handle herself.
Would not a duely elected Democrat vote nay? They WERE elected after all, and they do believe that their ideology is to the benifit of thier constituents. Me, being a Republican (big R), might be thinking, hey, like 10,000 people are going to lose their jobs. Those 10,000 people are constuents...don't you have an obligation to serve their needs? But the answer is no...really, your obligation is to the majority who voted you in. The majority thinks, just like you, that this ideology best serves the people.
Would not a duely elected Republican vote yes? They WERE elected after all...same as above...they do believe their ideology best benifits the poeple. Now, me, being a Democrat (big D), might be thinking, shit man, you're gonna kill all the trees, then there won't be any was for the CO2 to be converted to O2, so I'm going to sufficate along with 10,000 other people. Those 10,000 people are your constituents...don't you have an obligation to feed their needs? ...you know the rest.
Calling an elected official an ideologue, often times, is the same as calling them a homo sapien. They have ideology, and the vote it.
